IET comments on GCSE results
David Lakin, IET Head of Education, Safeguarding & Education Policy, said: “I’d like to congratulate students on their results today. It’s extremely positive to see an increase in pass rates of those studying the sciences, maths and computing.
“We have however seen a drop in the uptake of those taking Engineering, DT and ICT at GCSE, which shows that work still needs to be done to promote these courses and the options that they provide for studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) at the next stage and taking up STEM careers.
“We know that the appetite for studying and working in STEM is there from young people – what we feel is missing is the focus on how studying these subjects applies to their future ambitions, such as careers in STEM. The country needs more people studying engineering subjects at university and taking up apprenticeships and that has to start with an uptake at GSCE level.
“We are currently advocating to Government that a broad and balanced education for all young people is fundamental to the formation of future engineers, ensuring they have a rounded knowledge and skills required for Engineering a Better World for us all. For us, until engineering is recognised more widely within primary and secondary education, we won’t make enough progress.”
For more information about the range of support and options available to students through the IET, visit the Students section of the IET website.
